Digestive Disorders

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1987, the Clearinghouse provides information about diseases of the kidneys and urologic system to people with kidney and urologic disorders and to their families, health care profressionals, and the public. The NKUDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about kidney and urologic diseases.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The Institute supports much of the clinical research on the diseases of internal medicine and related subspecialty fields, as well as many basic science disciplines. The Institute's Division of Intramural Research encompasses the broad spectrum of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, inborn errors of metabolism, endocrine disorders, mineral metabolism, digestive and liver diseases, nutrition, urology and renal disease, and hematology. Basic research studies include biochemistry, biophysics, nutrition, pathology, histochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical and molecular biology, and pharmacology. NIDDK extramural research is organized into 4 divisions: Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases; Digestive Diseases and Nutrition; Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases; and Extramural Activities.

ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. More than 12,000 physicians from 82 countries are members of the ACG.

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has over 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA, a 501(c6) organization, administers all membership and public policy activities, while the AGA Institute, a 501(c3) organization, runs the organization’s practice, research and educational programs.

Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with nearly 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and provides resource for endoscopic education. Visit the ASGE Web site at www.asge.org to access patient education materials on endoscopic procedures or to find an ASGE Endoscopist in your area.

Established in 1899, The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is the leading professional society representing more than 1200 board-certified colon and rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Total membership is in excess of 2400 physicians.

The Celiac Sprue Association/United States of America, Inc. (CSA/USA) is a non-profit, national support organization which offers information and referral services concerning celiac sprue, a disease caused by intolerance to gluten, and dermatitis herpetiformis, another gluten-related disorder. Information is available about children and adults with the condition, and is provided to health educators, health professionals and the general public. Staff have access to a medical advisory board for questions which consumers may not be able to have answered through their local health system. CSA/USA does not charge for telephone information or referral services; materials are available at no charge or a nominal cost. CSA/USA provides its services nationwide through 113 chapters and 60 resource units.

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Four decades ago, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation created the field of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis research. Today, the Foundation funds cutting-edge studies at major medical institutions, nurtures investigators at the early stages of their careers, and finances underdeveloped areas of research. Educational workshops and symposia, with the foundation’s scientific journal, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, enable medical professionals to keep pace with this rapidly growing field. The Foundation's information resource center can help and answer questions in many languages.

The Digestive Disease National Coalition is an advocacy organization comprised of several national voluntary and professional societies concerned with digestive diseases. The DDNC focuses on improving public policy related to digestive diseases and increasing public awareness with respect to the many diseases of the digestive system. Founded in 1978, the DDNC's purpose is to improve access to and the quality of digestive disease health care in order to promote the best possible medical outcome and quality of life for current and future patients with digestive diseases.

Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families.

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders(IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization that addresses the issues surrounding adult and pediatric gastrointestinal diseases. Diseases addressed include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophagealreflux disease (GERD), fecal incontinence, Hirschsprung's disease, chronicintestinal pseudo-obstruction, as well as several others. IFFGD isdedicated to finding a cause and a cure for these disorders. IFFGD offers
support and educational services to affected people, their families,healthcare professionals, and the general public.

The Life Raft Group (LRG) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. LRG has a simple focus: to cure a form of cancer – GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor) – and to help those living with it until then. To do this, we focus on three key areas: research, patient support & education, and advocacy, which lay the foundation of our mission to ensure the survival of GIST patients through a comprehensive approach connecting individual patients’ needs, the worldwide community of GIST advocates and the global health and research environment.

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), founded in 1972, is the only society in North America and the largest in the world dedicated to serving the Pediatric Gastroenterology and nutrition communities. The mission of NASPGHAN is to be a world leader in advancing the science and clinical practice of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in health and disease. NASPGHAN was established to advance the understanding of the normal development and physiology of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in infants, children, and adolescents, and to foster the dissemination of this knowledge through scientific meetings, public education, and interaction with other organizations concerned with Pediatric Gastroenterology and nutrition.

The Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Foundation (formerly Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome International) is a non-profit group that operates on national and international levels. The purpose of the organization is to support families dealing with this rare disease, to advocate research, disseminate medical information and raise public awareness.

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Sunday, February 18, 2018